The pollsters and pundits may have already rendered their own verdict over the impeachment trial of the President, but the ultimate fate of Mr. Clinton must be determined by the constitution, the rule of law and historical precedent. And in so doing, witnesses should be called forth.

All trials have witnesses --- including “impeachment” trials. One would think this fact would soundly resonate through the halls of Congress considering that the Senate is mostly comprised of lawyers. Not so.

Democrats, who have done everything to protect their golden boy in the White House, have proffered a ridiculous argument that witnesses are not necessary and have nothing new to reveal. How can they leap to this conclusion before the deposition of the first witness?

Every impeachment trial in our nation’s history has had witnesses testify, in particular the most recent trial of Judge Walter Nixon in 1989, who was convicted and removed by the Senate for one of the same charges President Clinton was impeached for --- perjury before the grand jury! Ironically, there are today 27 sitting Democratic Senators who voted to remove Judge Nixon ten years ago and are now protecting President Clinton from the same offense. This is sheer hypocrisy.

The need for witnesses has become paramount. In opening arguments, the House impeachment managers did indeed present a solid case for conviction and removal. Yet, the White House lawyers countered with their usual attacks on the prosecutors and offered no evidence to exonerate Clinton. This was followed by a two-day period of softball questions which was more befitting for a high school debate than an actual impeachment trial.

Sadly, many of the Democratic Senators either snoozed or were confused during the first days of these proceedings. Only witnesses can add clarity to the record and offer new evidence to buttress the charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.

Key witness Monica Lewinsky has much more to dish out than what Americans have read in the Starr Report. Her preliminary interview with the Independent Counsel and the House managers indicated she may provide new information. One particular revelation will no doubt outrage many Americans. On January 25th, according to Pentagon sources, the WorldNetDaily news site reported that Ms. Lewinsky was chauffeured to the White House on several occasions by Marine Corps. Officers, and at taxpayers’ expense, whenever Bill beckoned her services. Allegedly, one officer was promoted to Brigadier General. If true, this is an egregious abuse of presidential power.

The second witness Vernon Jordan, who is a “friend of Bill,” is also known as a “superlawyer” (read: super-shyster) inside the beltway of Washington. He has been at the swirl of the scandal from the beginning. His testimony could offer pertinent information about his extraordinary efforts to cover-up Clinton’s actions and to silence Ms. Lewinsky by obtaining a job for her. His previous appearances before the grand jury reveal disturbing and conflicting stories. Will he tell the truth this time around, or will he perjure himself before the Senate to protect his old golfing buddy Bill?

The final witness is White House communications aide Sidney Blumenthal. His private conversations with both Hillary and Bill Clinton can provide further corroboration of the obstruction of justice charge. Apparently, by orders of the first couple, it was Blumenthal who was the mastermind behind the public smearing and defaming of Ms. Lewinsky.

Since the Senate has only approved, for now, the deposing of these three witnesses, it is difficult to predict whether their testimonies can sway enough Democrats to vote in favor of the articles of impeachment. That is why it would be wise for the Senate to leave open the possibility of calling additional witnesses.

Take, for example, those who were the closest to Clinton in the White House. Betty Currie, John Podesta, Bruce Lindsey and numerous Secret Service officers all could provide an insight into Clinton’s orchestrated efforts to cover-up his illicit actions.

There are also the numerous “Jane Does” in the Starr Report who have had past relationships with President Clinton and have all suffered intimidation and threats. In particular, Juanita Broaddrick (“Jane Doe #5”) was allegedly raped by Mr. Clinton years ago and desperately wants her story to be told. Other witnesses like Kathleen Willey and Linda Tripp have also experienced White House harassment and intimidation.

Though it is unlikely these additional witnesses will be heard from, their stories and statements are in the record and should be carefully examined by every Senator. For too long they have been silenced and ignored.

More than a year has gone by since the sordid Lewinsky affair began and most Americans want the matter to end. Witnesses are but a necessary part of helping to bring about conviction and removal of President Clinton --- which, indeed, would be the ultimate closure of this political saga. For if two-thirds of the Senators ignore the witnesses before them and fail to fulfill their constitutional oaths, those up for re-election in 2000 may just discover how short their tenures may be on Capitol Hill.